Scientists at the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment and Columbia University, creating a nasal spray containing the oxytocin hormone. The drug is claimed to help improve a person's ability to sociall interaction.
The oxytocin was formerly known as the "hormone of love". This natural hormone can increase feelings of empathy and closeness, especially among the elderly and children. Recent research found that this hormone may improve social skills among the shy peoples.
The effect is not too large in those who naturally are "confident". As reported by the Telegraph, the findings are expected to have major implications for those who experience social barriers. In his research, experts tested whether the hormone in the form of nasal spray can improve mutual understanding among individuals.
A total of 27 healthy men were included in the study and they were given a nasal spray containing the hormone and placebo. They were asked to perform specific tasks to measure the ability to read the thoughts and feelings of others. Respondents were also asked to watch colleagues discussing their precious moments, and then make an assessment of what is perceived.
The researchers, who reported his research in the journal Psychological Science, also measured respondents' social competence by using a similar test called AQ, which is usually applied in patients with autism. The results showed that the oxytocin hormone is able to improve the ability of empathy especially in the group of respondents who are less good at socializing.
Prof Jennifer Bartz, of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, said: "Oxytocin is widely believed to make all people more empathetic and understanding of others. Our study contradicts that. Instead, oxytocin appears to be helpful only for those who are less socially proficient. Our data show that oxytocin selectively improves social cognition in people who are less socially proficient, but had little impact on more socially proficient individuals. While more research is required, these results highlight the potential oxytocin holds for treating social deficits in people with disorders marked by deficits in social functioning like autism." *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TELEGRAPH | SEPTI | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 17012013]
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